Miami Beach officials imposed a curfew effective Sunday night over spring break after two fatal shootings and rowdy, chaotic crowds that police have struggled to control.
MIAMI BEACH, FL — Miami Beach authorities imposed a curfew effective Sunday night during spring break after two fatal shootings and loud, chaotic crowds that police have had a hard time controlling.
The city said in a press release that the curfew would be from 11:59 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, with an additional curfew likely to be in place from Thursday through next Monday, March 27. . party place for spring break.
The statement said two separate shootings on Friday night and early Sunday that left two people dead and “exceedingly large and unruly crowds” led to the decision. The city commission plans a meeting Monday to discuss possible additional restrictions next week.
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said in a video message released Sunday that the crowds and the presence of numerous firearms have “created a danger that cannot go unnoticed” despite the massive police presence and many activities. City-sponsored events designed to keep people busy.
“We don’t ask for spring break in our city. We don’t want spring break in our town. It’s too loud, it’s too messy, and it’s too hard to police,” Gelber said.
The latest shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on Ocean Drive in South Beach, according to Miami Beach police. A man was shot and later died at a hospital, and officers pursued a suspect on foot, police said on Twitter. His identities were not released, nor were possible charges.
In the Friday night shooting, one male victim was killed and another seriously injured, sending crowds pouring out of restaurants and clubs onto the streets as gunshots rang out. Police detained a person at the scene and found four firearms, but no further details have been provided.
Under the curfew, people must leave business by midnight, although hotels can operate later only in service to their guests. The city statement said restaurants can remain open for deliveries only and the curfew will not apply to residents, commuters, emergency services and hotel guests. Some roads will be closed and arriving hotel guests may be required to show proof of their reservations.
Last year, the city imposed a midnight curfew after two shootings, also on Ocean Drive. The year before, there were about 1,000 arrests and dozens of weapons seized during a rowdy spring break that prompted Miami Beach officials to take steps aimed at calming the situation.
